Leadership Info

Leadership Opportunities

The success of each ASB trip depends upon the commitment and preparation of the student site leader and staff responsible university official (RUO) who help to conceptualize and facilitate a high quality service-learning experience for their team.

Participation as a site leader and RUO has many benefits, including:

The opportunity to design and coordinate aspects of the assigned ASB trip.

Develop valuable leadership and event planning skills.

Network and connect with other UT Dallas faculty/staff RUOs and nonprofit leaders.

Inspire and serve as a leader by guiding your team through service activities and reflection.

Previous Viva Volunteer or ASB participation is preferred, but not required. Site leaders are expected to serve as a driver or backup driver on all ASB trips; therefore, a valid driver's license is required. In the application, site leaders may provide a list of preferred trips; however, we ask that all applicants be open to the possibility of leading any ASB trip.

Site Leader and RUO applications are now closed.

While you may apply to be an ASB trip leader, there is no guarantee that you will be selected. Applicants will be notified of their leadership position by Nov. 10. Students who are are not selected to serve as a site leader will have the opportunity to register for an ASB trip as a team member during general online registration on Dec. 1.

If accepted, trip leaders will participate in a comprehensive, semester-long development and training process that includes biweekly leadership meetings, a leadership retreat, and a mandatory pre-orientation with a member of the Dean of Students Office.

Leadership Meetings

Student site leaders and responsible university officials (RUOs) are required to attend biweekly ASB leadership meetings beginning in January. Valuable program information and resources will be provided at the leadership meetings. Dates and times are as follows:

Jan. 10, 3-4 p.m., SSA 14.467

Jan. 24, 3-4 p.m., SSA 14.467

Feb. 7, 3-4 p.m., SSA 14.467

Feb. 21, 3-4 p.m., SSA 14.467

Mar. 7, 3-4 p.m., SSA 14.467

Mar. 21, 3-4 p.m., ATC 1.102

ASB leadership teams also begin to meet with their teammates from January through April to coordinate trip and service details and team bonding experiences.

Leadership Retreat

All site leaders and RUOs will be required to attend the Leadership Retreat from 3-5 p.m. on Feb. 16 in SSA 14.244. At the retreat, group leaders will learn how to establish team cohesion through the use of group building and reflection activities, ways to guide the group development process and techniques for incorporating education into service.

Pre-Trip Orientation with the Dean of Students

At the pre-trip orientation, ASB participants will learn about program expectations and have a chance to hear from the Office of Community Standards and Conduct before traveling together the week of spring break. The Office of Community Standards and Conduct encourages student learning, growth, and development by promoting awareness of the University’s expectations of behavior, holding students accountable for violations of these expectations, and developing educational sanctions designed to address the consequences of student decisions. The pre-trip orientation is mandatory for all participants, including site leaders and RUOs. Both orientations will be held in the Galaxy Rooms in the Student Union. All participants must attend one orientation:

Reflection Reception

Participation in the ASB program culminates with a reflection reception in April. During this event, teams will teams reunite and share ASB experiences, as well as share ways for continued civic engagement and community outreach. Dinner will be provided. Attire is semi-formal.